Braves News
Bullpen collapses as Braves succumb to Dodgers, 6-3
The bullpen had a rough night at Dodger Stadium, giving up 3 home runs and 5 earned runs overall. This unfortunately wasted another strong effort from rookie Williams Perez who continues to sleep with angels as he had an excellent line of 6 IP, 1 ER, and 7 K despite having to escape multiple bases loaded jams and throwing 31 pitches in the first inning. Nick Masset had a particularly bad night, giving up those three home runs in the eighth inning.
Chris Johnson Rehab Stint Cut Short By Rain
The chances of the Braves getting Chris Johnson back from the disabled list before Thursday took a bit of a hit when third baseman Chris Johnson's rehab stint in Gwinnett was cut short by rain. Johnson has been out since April 30th with a hand injury, but is expected to join the Braves again sometime later this week. For those who are curious, Chris went 0 for 1 in his only at-bat in the game.
Joey Terdoslavich begins rehab assignment in Rome
It isn't just Chris Johnson getting healthy....Joey Terdoslavich has begun his rehab assignment with the Rome Braves after a sizable stay on the DL since Spring Training with a wrist injury. His rehab stint was a successful one, Joey Doubles went 2 for 4 with an RBI and, yes, a double. Terdoslavich was in the running for a spot on the Braves bench coming out of spring training before the injury and could very well see time with the big club soon as the Braves start to shuffle their options on the bench.
Callaspo a late scratch from Dodgers series opener, Braves looking to trade the 3B
Alberto Callaspo was a late scratch from the first game in the Braves' series against the Dodgers. This led to speculation, in particular from MLB.com's Mark Bowman, that Callaspo could be designated for assignment given his struggles at the plate of late and Chris Johnson's imminent return from the disabled list. However, after the game, Fredi Gonzalez shed more light on the situation. It appears as though the Braves could soon have a deal in place to trade Callaspo to an unknown club which is why he was scratched from his scheduled start. What the Braves can get back for the struggling 3B remains to be seen, but this is a situation certain worth following.
Vin Scully wants you to know about Jonny Gomes' wolf attack
This was just too good not to include...during the broadcast of last night's game, legendary Dodger's broadcaster Vin Scully took some time to tell the story of the time Jonny Gomes was attacked by a wolf and, obviously, lived. Given Gomes' reputation as a competitor, we probably wouldn't have bet on the wolf in hindsight, but still a great moment from the game.
MLB News
David Wright to see a back specialist
While as a Braves fan I'm happy he won't be terrorizing Braves' pitching for a while, its a terrible shame that David Wright, one of the games truly great young talents at 3B, is going to be out for a while after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal column). While the condition has forced players in other sports to end their careers, the Mets are initially hopeful that he can recover and it appears as though Wright is looking near and far for the best treatment plan.
Justin Upton is paying dividends for the Padres, even in Petco
Former Brave Justin Upton is having a really strong season for the Padres despite the fact that the Padres home field, Petco Park, is notorious for being a pitcher-friendly ballpark. To make things even weirder, Upton's home/road splits seem to show that his power is more on display at home. With talk already starting of how the Padres should/can sign Upton to a long-term deal, his success this season and beyond will make it VERY interesting in evaluating the Braves' off-season moves.
Aaron Harang using a cutter to have his best year yet
While its tough to second guess not signing a 37 year old pitcher for another after a good, but not great previous season, Aaron Harang is doing his absolute best to make the Braves regret not signing him back this off-season. Harang is lurking on several league leaderboards due to a renewed attention to his health as well as a continued mastery of a cutter which he began using last year in Atlanta.